E1 and E2 Visas

The U.S. has special treaties related to commerce with a number of countries. These treaties allow individuals from such countries who need to travel to the U.S. for substantial trade and business- related activities to obtain Treaty Trader (E-1) or Treaty Investor (E-2) visas.

Requirements: E-1 Treaty Trader

Individuals from qualifying treaty countries who want to apply for an E-1 Treaty Trader Visa must meet certain requirements, such as:

The company which is seeking to conduct trade in the U.S. must be based in the same treaty country of the individual.

There must be a significant amount of international trade between the U.S. and the treaty country.

The individual must have specialized skills and be in a management position of the company which is conducting trade.

Requirements: E-2 Treaty Investor

Individuals from qualifying treaty countries who want to apply for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa must meet certain requirements, such as:

There must be sufficient amount of investment to ensure the success of the underlying business. It should also have a significant economic impact in the U.S.

The investment must be for an active, operating business and not a passive or speculative investment.

If the individual applying for the visa is not the investor, he or she must be in a management position at the company making the investment.

Helping Applicants Navigate the Application Process

Individuals who want to apply for an E-1 Treaty Trader or E-2 Treaty Investor Visa generally apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Applicants must submit a myriad of documents and forms and go through an interview process. Our firm is adept at assisting individuals involved in trade or investment in navigating the complex process and necessary paperwork required for such visas.